Makita 3600BR

[Kidbee]

I bought one of the above at a garage sale. It does not want to turn on but if it gets a certain bump it starts. Inspected the brushes and they appear okay. I am not qualified to pull it apart.

Does it sound like a switch problem?

[doug3030]

I bought one of the above at a garage sale. It does not want to turn on but if it gets a certain bump it starts. Inspected the brushes and they appear okay. I am not qualified to pull it apart.

Does it sound like a switch problem?

That can be REALLY dangerous!

Don't touch it any more, I would hate to see you get hurt.

The only thing to do is to pack it up and send it to me. I know how to dispose of it safely.

[Jim Carroll]

Check that the brushes are long enough to make full contact with the armature, about 16-20mm long.

While you have the brushes out rotate the spindle and check the comutator looks the same all around.

If ok then there could be a faulty switch or loose connection somewhere

[malb]

Faulty mains cord, possible break in a conductor in the area of the cable entry due to metal fatigue, knock can temporarily allow conductors to reconnect and operate tool. Also applies to the cables from the switch to the field windings and field windings to brush holders.
Loose connection at switch or one of the brush holders, knock restores connection for a time.
Possible burnt winding in armature, won't start on that winding, knock may rotate armature to next winding and generate a start. Motor would tend to draw more power, run rough, have reduced output power, and overheat/smell of burnt varnish.